tag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:/en/postsCulture Japan - Your portal to Japan - Posts2015-03-03T20:01:17ZPosts//images.dannychoo.com/media/favicon-0dde71ff183e7a08f01dcb8bf5e5d331.ico//images.dannychoo.com/media/apple-touch-icon-114x114-f54cd0e4f9c7e473ce83958f4555d60b.pngdannychoo_com_main_article_feed_enghttps://feedburner.google.comtag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272712015-03-03T14:42:00+09:002015-03-04T04:32:57+09:00Mirai Suenaga Birthday Its the 3rd of March which means its Mirai Suenaga's birthday - she's 17 years old this year ^^
I got...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185770"><img alt="0d4af923ae3972828cacf5dcca07c158" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185770/original/0d4af923ae3972828cacf5dcca07c158.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Its the 3rd of March which means its <a href="http://mirai.fm" target="_blank">Mirai Suenaga's</a> birthday - she's 17 years old this year ^^<br>
I got her a strawberry shake to go with her strawberry cake which she really liked.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185771"><img alt="1345e84ecfcfc86bf439bb2e83767ff1" height="1440" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185771/original/1345e84ecfcfc86bf439bb2e83767ff1.jpg" width="2560" /></a></p><p>Its also <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/15493/Hina+Matsuri.html">Hina Matsuri</a> [ひな祭り] today which is also known as Doll's Day or Girls' Day to wish the healthy and prosperous growth of young girls. During this time, ornamental dolls called Hina Ningyo [雛人形] are displayed on tiered steps which is covered in red cloth.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185772"><img alt="137a3a704ec2e7450f39724fd37c68cd" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185772/original/137a3a704ec2e7450f39724fd37c68cd.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The rest of this post is a celebration of Mirai's birthday with a load of 2560 x 1440px wallpapers featuring illustrations by many sensei who have taken time out to doodle our Mirai-chan.<br>
All the images in this post are 1920 x 1080 and the 2560 x 1440 ones are on Flickr.<br><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/sets/72157650729043268/" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/sets/72157650729043268/</a></p>
<p>I would like to thank Mirai supporters all over the world for their continued support!</p>
<p>This first illustration of Mirai in Summer Uniform by our resident artist <a href="https://twitter.com/ikkyu019" target="_blank">Ikkyuu-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185782"><img alt="7805b8d6dd91dd721194e0bd34caee4f" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185782/original/7805b8d6dd91dd721194e0bd34caee4f.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Casual wear illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/dmyomyo" target="_blank">DMYO-sensei</a> also known as Shirahane Nao.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185773"><img alt="D3dcef5e9f51ca6dde9a9211264e9f49" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185773/original/d3dcef5e9f51ca6dde9a9211264e9f49.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Summer uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/tamahiyo22" target="_blank">Tamahiyo-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185774"><img alt="Ebc77d874e4aef635b7103797e207f95" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185774/original/ebc77d874e4aef635b7103797e207f95.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Summer uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/yuukihagure" target="_blank">Hagure Yuuki-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185775"><img alt="0cdbe72c4510d4c94e992167ff083ece" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185775/original/0cdbe72c4510d4c94e992167ff083ece.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in bikini illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/iizuki_tasuku" target="_blank">Iizuki Tasuku-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185776"><img alt="4a21d6f10152e19cd9b3574f27c9fc73" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185776/original/4a21d6f10152e19cd9b3574f27c9fc73.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in bikini illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/ino_r18" target="_blank">INO-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185777"><img alt="E1beebbb8dc333d9461256347635c238" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185777/original/e1beebbb8dc333d9461256347635c238.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Summer uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/kobuichi" target="_blank">Kobuichi-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185778"><img alt="Dc83575f3d886ef08705804fc15b6c45" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185778/original/dc83575f3d886ef08705804fc15b6c45.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Summer uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/amane_koizumi" target="_blank">Koizumi Amane-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185779"><img alt="Cce71edec64e3b4e32b4e08d1b57f37d" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185779/original/cce71edec64e3b4e32b4e08d1b57f37d.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Solar Marine uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/piromizu" target="_blank">Piromizu-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185780"><img alt="A0875bb7d89c8e1540a365342bf22d31" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185780/original/a0875bb7d89c8e1540a365342bf22d31.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Solar Marine Kai uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/refeia" target="_blank">Refeia-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185781"><img alt="A9e84fb8617cc6b57b1f3d63215509ea" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185781/original/a9e84fb8617cc6b57b1f3d63215509ea.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Winter uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/aya_ha" target="_blank">Ayase Hazuki-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185783"><img alt="B3c90e6acfcee8adb7424055f73af6d9" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185783/original/b3c90e6acfcee8adb7424055f73af6d9.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Winter uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/iizuki_tasuku" target="_blank">Iizuki Tasuku-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185784"><img alt="017173f85ee94aff6b3ec96277553fca" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185784/original/017173f85ee94aff6b3ec96277553fca.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Winter uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/_coq" target="_blank">Koku-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185785"><img alt="1bb702254d007ea38cfb61529a266015" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185785/original/1bb702254d007ea38cfb61529a266015.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in bikini illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/_coq" target="_blank">Koku-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185786"><img alt="D2b7bd48503751500a05421d1d56b661" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185786/original/d2b7bd48503751500a05421d1d56b661.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Summer uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/pagumagu" target="_blank">Kuuchuu Yosai-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185787"><img alt="A295fb6250ae591ee4ed4795821e90ff" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185787/original/a295fb6250ae591ee4ed4795821e90ff.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Maid uniform illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/tamahiyo22" target="_blank">Tamahiyo-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185788"><img alt="D8d5673bed3d2773da7bd518a0ea0f55" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185788/original/d8d5673bed3d2773da7bd518a0ea0f55.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in bikini illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/tamahiyo22" target="_blank">Tamahiyo-sensei</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.html#image_185789"><img alt="Ed79c20e7d220179ff3e95e1d09ad56a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150303/27271/185789/original/ed79c20e7d220179ff3e95e1d09ad56a.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai in Summer uniform work-in-progress illustrated by <a href="https://twitter.com/tony_t2artworks" target="_blank">Taka Tony-sensei</a>.</p>
<p>Don't forget - all of these high res wallpapers are available on Flickr.<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/sets/72157650729043268" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/sets/72157650729043268</a></p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/MlyV26Jt4n8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27271/Mirai+Suenaga+Birthday.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272702015-03-01T20:14:00+09:002015-03-04T05:01:17+09:00Desk Diary 20150228 In the previous Desk Diary, we took a look at the transition of how we went from working out of my hou...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185707"><img alt="A84a17c06181dec6f3b422fb2cbaacf9" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185707/original/a84a17c06181dec6f3b422fb2cbaacf9.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27241/How+I+started+my+company+in+Japan.html">In the previous Desk Diary</a>, we took a look at the transition of how we went from working out of my house for a few years to finally getting our own proper office.<br>
Today, I still look around the office and reminisce at how we managed to startup in such a small place.</p>
<p>Since the last time we spoke, I moved desks into the lounge area that I said I wanted to keep clear of workstations - but it seems that we are growing at a pace way faster than I imagined and need to use up as much space as we can before we move office again which is could even be later this year at the rate we are growing.</p>
<p>Of late, I've been preoccupied with working out how to scale the <a href="http://smartdoll.jp" target="_blank">Smart Doll</a> production line while maintaining quality, keeping costs low, sourcing for new vendors, removing bottlenecks and up until recently finding staff was a problem too - until I realized that the solution was <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html">to do more photowalks</a>.</p>
<p>Scaling the production line means to introduce new processes which in turn introduces new problems. I've just created a set of Mass Production slush casting molds which should enable us to make more parts - but because they are new molds, we need to start all over again in learning how to use them.</p>
<p>The new molds have different wall thicknesses and are placed at different angles to accommodate more parts which means they need to be placed in a different position when on the centrifugal unit for example.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185708"><img alt="Dc38a08a05883a03115dea2c4b840555" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185708/original/dc38a08a05883a03115dea2c4b840555.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Wifey and I went back to IKEA for the zillionth time to get more tables and storage for the new office layout. One of the great thing about having more warm bodies in the office is that the furniture gets put together in a jiffy ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185769"><img alt="F0fd6a00de07032f194b48cf85cdb5ab" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185769/original/f0fd6a00de07032f194b48cf85cdb5ab.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>My previous desk with Mirai displayed on the Smart Air Stand - it allows <a href="http://smartdoll.jp" target="_blank">Smart Doll</a> to be displayed mid air without a saddle or "C" shape grasp around the waist which would leave Smart Doll looking not-so-smart &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185709"><img alt="E30604461c703ce68f401f2e027fece9" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185709/original/e30604461c703ce68f401f2e027fece9.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>In the middle of moving my stuff over to the other side. As usual, after I moved everything I needed to my new spot, I discovered a bunch of cables left over that were not attached to anything ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185710"><img alt="8cf447bca53cba71eab98154a7b42ebd" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185710/original/8cf447bca53cba71eab98154a7b42ebd.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>While I liked the IKEA glass tables that I used since 2007, there is something that I like about these wooden ones - for some reason I feel that they are more suitable for our workspaces. They are also 3 times cheaper than the glass ones and so much more lighter and easier to move around.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185711"><img alt="46e0e9c29fc014db7c606bf7b8ea7305" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185711/original/46e0e9c29fc014db7c606bf7b8ea7305.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I dont like the typical office chair that rolls around - they are way too bulky and not even comfortable to sit in which is why I stuck to the four legged ones - which are also cheap too ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185712"><img alt="8e121ea347480a01756a7d3fb100f9e2" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185712/original/8e121ea347480a01756a7d3fb100f9e2.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>There is more sunlight on this side of the office but the sun beams in during the mornings - good thing the office comes with blinds.<br>
My main machine is now a MacBook Retina. Fonts look great but everything else looks crap - its extremely difficult to do graphic work for web or print which is why I use an external monitor.</p>
<p>All our work for print must be checked on an external display when using a Retina machine.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185713"><img alt="Bacf265a39fd84a4eaba87b28c3332ae" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185713/original/bacf265a39fd84a4eaba87b28c3332ae.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Picked up the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00H71F4BU/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">U2414H Dell UltraSharp 24" Monitor</a> which has been great so far. You will see reviews by folks having difficulty connecting it for the first time - the solution is to simply not use the Display Port cable that came with it.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185714"><img alt="5b526acb35b50ca4a708a1dd5e49befb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185714/original/5b526acb35b50ca4a708a1dd5e49befb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Smart Doll Kizuna Yumeno - so smexy and cute! &gt;&lt;<br>
Folks who want one can <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27232/Get+Smart+Doll.html">get in the pre-order waiting list</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185715"><img alt="9457259cbf2cac344fda49645ee2c602" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185715/original/9457259cbf2cac344fda49645ee2c602.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Currently using the Xperia Z2 - still waiting for Lollipop so that I can save stuff on the SD card again &gt;&lt;<br>
The "waterproof" seal for the Micro USB port keeps popping out as you see in the photo though.</p>
<p>The Xperia series is the only flavor of Android where I don't need to change the OS to CyanogenMod.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185717"><img alt="B3df0e66fa938874c80e5c29aa0509f3" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185717/original/b3df0e66fa938874c80e5c29aa0509f3.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>This figure of Alisa Ilinichina Amiella <a href="http://alphamax.jp/item/ax0107alisa.html" target="_blank">by Alphamax</a> is so gorgeous! Booty so cute! Figures go well with plants - I removed the base and have now have Alisa guarding my greenery.</p>
<p>Folks interested in Alisa (or any of the figures below) can look for her on one of the trusted online retailers listed below.</p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/" target="_blank">http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/</a>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.amiami.com" target="_blank">http://www.amiami.com</a>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://hlj.com" target="_blank">http://hlj.com</a>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://jlist.com" target="_blank">http://jlist.com</a>
</li>
</ul><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185718"><img alt="Dd5c4c02ebb6fb2794377cd856d49a50" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185718/original/dd5c4c02ebb6fb2794377cd856d49a50.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Kongo: Half-Damage ver <a href="http://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/4369/Kongo+Half+Damage+ver.html" target="_blank">by Max Factory</a> - I like the tag line - "The precious equipment I got from the admiral... it's ruined!"</p>
<p>How many of you playing <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27073/Kantai+Collection.html">Kan Colle</a>?<br>
I'm waiting for the Vita version.<br></p><p>
<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27270#youtube-8tEvFFtSh0E"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/8tEvFFtSh0E/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""></a>
<br>
This post contains a video, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27270#youtube-8tEvFFtSh0E">click here to view</a>.
</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185719"><img alt="9fb5a3730bda0bca5fe617904f3cb5fb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185719/original/9fb5a3730bda0bca5fe617904f3cb5fb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Motokooooooo figma <a href="http://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/4507/figma+Motoko+Kusanagi+S+A+C+ver.html" target="_blank">by Max Factory</a>.<br></p><p>
<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27270#youtube-6MMklti0IXc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/6MMklti0IXc/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""></a>
<br>
This post contains a video, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27270#youtube-6MMklti0IXc">click here to view</a>.
</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185720"><img alt="100dab4dc440b5566cb75a298134f643" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185720/original/100dab4dc440b5566cb75a298134f643.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>We filming Culture Japan Season 3 now - using the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/890797-REG/Sony_NEX_VG30_Camcorder_with_18_200mm.html" target="_blank">Sony VG30</a> and Sony A7 II with FE 35mm (F2.8) and FE 24-70mm (F4) lenses.</p>
<p>I also switched shaver brand to Panasonic after using Phillips for many years. Decided to try out the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00JFSPPCQ/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">Panasonic ES-ST27-R</a> and was surprised at how much better these straight blades perform over the rounded ones.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185721"><img alt="B556ecf8460e0f66dfa5ed8f90775c56" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185721/original/b556ecf8460e0f66dfa5ed8f90775c56.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And this is what my desk looks like in the evenings. I still use the same technique when I was using glass tables to have light below the desk - this illuminates the dark area under the table which makes this corner look more roomier.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185722"><img alt="307b3db1f71346f47389445b5cfd127d" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185722/original/307b3db1f71346f47389445b5cfd127d.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>This is what it looks like to the right of my desk. The windows on the far side of the office face a river.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185725"><img alt="0350877bb63d344c8607768eb646f65c" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185725/original/0350877bb63d344c8607768eb646f65c.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The same angle by night.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185723"><img alt="Ebf327bcfb0a3f2eb84ec50568f6e0c7" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185723/original/ebf327bcfb0a3f2eb84ec50568f6e0c7.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Deep concentration. This is our CTO Thomas from the US who manages our web properties that include this website, <a href="http://www.goodsmile.info/en" target="_blank">Good Smile Company</a>, <a href="http://www.maxfactory.jp/ja/mxf" target="_blank">Max Factory</a>, <a href="http://www.figma.jp/ja/figma" target="_blank">Figma</a> and <a href="http://starchild.fm/" target="_blank">King Records</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185724"><img alt="Ce867043a431d1127736e185a5a8cb3e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185724/original/ce867043a431d1127736e185a5a8cb3e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Our Creative Director Zhao from Singapore - also known as <a href="http://www.kodomut.com/" target="_blank">Kodomut</a> online. I discovered his talents through his comments that he left on this site - and followed links to his website where he had a ton of Nendoroid photography. Folks in the office call him Lunch Master or Senpai.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185726"><img alt="1ad2626c18baa51fffa2a274024a2137" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185726/original/1ad2626c18baa51fffa2a274024a2137.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>For the moment the lounge space is still quite spacious which would fill up from time to time when we ship Smart Doll.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185727"><img alt="5aed0af8f38af9c06ee3e90ae4d88e6b" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185727/original/5aed0af8f38af9c06ee3e90ae4d88e6b.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The lounge by night.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185768"><img alt="Da6f2969fdf668a1cf5846bde0f93679" height="1079" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185768/original/da6f2969fdf668a1cf5846bde0f93679.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The lounge would also occasionally fill up when the Mirai Frame parts arrive. Straight of of the injection mold, the parts for the frame would be attached to the runner - but leaving them on the runner takes up a ton of space so we break off the parts from the runner and place them in small bags.<br>
This process makes our workflow much more efficient when it comes to assembling the frame.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185767"><img alt="Db5f6d12433229429e03493cfb60c5cf" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185767/original/db5f6d12433229429e03493cfb60c5cf.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And this is what the frame looks like which we sell as a standalone semi-assembled model.<br>
No plans to sell it as a kit right now as its not consumer friendly - it needs special tools to put together.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185756"><img alt="Cfd9a9c8853b4be57b79dc9efcc35e3a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185756/original/cfd9a9c8853b4be57b79dc9efcc35e3a.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Another one of the reasons why I prefer this side of the office is that its not as bright as the Smart Doll production area which has to be really bright to spot blemishes - I prefer computing work where its a bit darker.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185728"><img alt="95c539eda231a184c8e367676f2c2c55" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185728/original/95c539eda231a184c8e367676f2c2c55.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>At the moment we have about 200 square meters to grow to the next level. Previously we had only 36 square meters &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185729"><img alt="37736e886cab6f97f0993ea5d59f0a72" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185729/original/37736e886cab6f97f0993ea5d59f0a72.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And here is the same view by night.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185730"><img alt="B7c3dc6e63ce87fe5ea95df152bd71db" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185730/original/b7c3dc6e63ce87fe5ea95df152bd71db.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>We moved some of the Smart Doll accessories to this part of the office as this is where we pack and ship.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185731"><img alt="D905c333784a17d6d79e967c6ec910eb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185731/original/d905c333784a17d6d79e967c6ec910eb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Same angle by night.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185732"><img alt="274666ab02e214fc79e6cc966bba2a97" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185732/original/274666ab02e214fc79e6cc966bba2a97.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>This is the last corner view of the lounge ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185733"><img alt="9bb9136f82268f26162d05efed792368" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185733/original/9bb9136f82268f26162d05efed792368.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>All staff members are required to knock off at 6PM and everybody is usually gone by 6.30. I stay behind with wifey a wee bit though. Even though our company is located in Japan, we will continue to keep this company culture of allowing employees time to develop, grow and relax in their own free time.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185734"><img alt="30f137b208553cf393ce3dcf65ddff61" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185734/original/30f137b208553cf393ce3dcf65ddff61.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The top of this IKEA KALLAX used to be lined with Smart Dolls but we decided this would be the best place for the TV which was where the sofa is now.<br>
We use the TV for games or meetings using the Apple AirDisplay function which mirrors or extends a Mac's display.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185735"><img alt="954f6eac3e71066cb980c82bbe2993ed" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185735/original/954f6eac3e71066cb980c82bbe2993ed.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>First World problems - the Oculus is a pain to store as its got a ton of wires which need to be attached to a computer through the Display Port and USB *and* have external power. Picked up this clear "Head Bank" <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B008H7P9IQ/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">from Amazon</a> which is supposed to be used as a piggy bank - its great as it can hold the Oculus unit and the wires too and costs only <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1600&amp;from=JPY&amp;to=USD&amp;submit=Convert" target="_blank">1,600 yen</a>. As for <a href="https://twitter.com/mizuki_izuna/status/556647921962057728" target="_blank">what the oculus is currently being used for...</a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185736"><img alt="107fcc8df34d33e81bf839a83768589d" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185736/original/107fcc8df34d33e81bf839a83768589d.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>This is the "entrance" to the Smart Doll production studio. The empty tables on the left are used for packing and shipping.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185737"><img alt="948a216ab40b25d38549a56a2b2afb77" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185737/original/948a216ab40b25d38549a56a2b2afb77.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>After more optimization of the layout, we managed to make more room for new staff while maintaining enough space for our current team to be comfortable during work.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185738"><img alt="01645daf156f1bf0c0da4ddc2d369df4" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185738/original/01645daf156f1bf0c0da4ddc2d369df4.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The two new staff members who I hired from the previous Photowalk now sit at the glass tables.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185765"><img alt="Aef12b6a0354fc99b3771d6825361eba" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185765/original/aef12b6a0354fc99b3771d6825361eba.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>My wife manages finance, HR and anything that involves contracts - none of her main work is customer facing so some folks may find it hard to appreciate the type of work that she does. Without her however, the company would most certainly fall apart &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185766"><img alt="B95c0ca4e4a867c1df499a9296a325a0" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185766/original/b95c0ca4e4a867c1df499a9296a325a0.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26159/Eiji+Seiun.html">Eiji Seiun</a> is going to be the next Smart Doll - the 3D printing, silicon clone to wax and half of the production molds have already been created.<br>
We should get the first look at him in full vinyl towards the end of this month.</p>
<p>While there are only a couple of anime licenses that I would want to make (namely Yagami Light and Solid Snake), there are a load of Marvel heroes that I would pursue later on this year. Which Marvel or DC hero would you like to see as a Smart Doll?</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185739"><img alt="23686206e295d0f26e3f348b12ddefbb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185739/original/23686206e295d0f26e3f348b12ddefbb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I spend a lot of my time optimizing furniture, stock and other bits n pieces around the office. Having an organized office is key for daily operations as it minimizes the time needed to find and get to stuff.</p>
<p>Moving Smart Doll accessories near to the packing tables was just a no-brainer example.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185740"><img alt="151ea7bfaa4bf78cb54ca16fce44ca76" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185740/original/151ea7bfaa4bf78cb54ca16fce44ca76.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The injection molding of the frames for Smart Doll is mostly done in Yamagata Shinjo. The slush molding of the outer shell (skin part also called "Gaihi" [外皮]) is all done in Katsushika Tokyo.</p>
<p>All the parts arrive in the office where we need to perform quality control and then assemble which involves cutting flash, sanding the surface etc.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185741"><img alt="031bc0084b4690eb1ba6771394501ca1" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185741/original/031bc0084b4690eb1ba6771394501ca1.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Unlike many startups who feel they need to splurge out on expensive furniture to lure potential candidates, I choose to continue to go with IKEA as the price is certainly economical for very acceptable furniture quality.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185746"><img alt="8af9c87d8dd4865c13a68970d6d28010" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185746/original/8af9c87d8dd4865c13a68970d6d28010.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>These plastic containers are also from IKEA and are essential for our daily production - not sure what I would do without them &gt;&lt;<br>
We use them for everything including keeping stock, sorting and storage.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185747"><img alt="974c5b11b7625bd246cf1193b41703d3" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185747/original/974c5b11b7625bd246cf1193b41703d3.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Most items are stored in bags of 50 before they are placed in their containers. This means that when we do our regular stock taking, instead of counting everything in a container (200 pieces for example), we can count 4 bags which contain 50 pieces each.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185742"><img alt="5b801db7808da92c82c5786b81deabc6" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185742/original/5b801db7808da92c82c5786b81deabc6.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The white boxes on the top of each table are cardboard "heat boxes" with a hole cut in the top where a ceramic heater is placed.</p>
<p>The heater then heats the inside of the box where outer shell is placed before flash is cut or when we assemble the Smart Doll.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185743"><img alt="7f5164184c3b99cd72689a23f83b35d5" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185743/original/7f5164184c3b99cd72689a23f83b35d5.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The white arms fixed to the tables are magnifying glasses that have a built in LED which <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007TGGW3M/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">I picked up from Amazon</a>. Each Table also has a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005JQXIAY/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">Z Light</a> to provide extra light which we shine at an angle across the parts to check for scratches and other blemishes.</p>
<p>Over 80% of our work involves checking parts and accessories for blemishes - depending on the severity, I will approve them as long as it does not affect the overall appearance of our products.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185744"><img alt="Dd13b4ea08cc32271b58324125d056f3" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185744/original/dd13b4ea08cc32271b58324125d056f3.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Kizuna and Mirai wearing some of our Bridal Collection which launches this month.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185745"><img alt="9da27b33a2468f819fbaa75d2afcfa59" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185745/original/9da27b33a2468f819fbaa75d2afcfa59.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>This is the worst part about dealing with products - the boxes which take up a huge amount of space &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185748"><img alt="1de3c147d36a8e27b3c32c10adefa7b3" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185748/original/1de3c147d36a8e27b3c32c10adefa7b3.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Some electronics stuff going on in the lounge.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185750"><img alt="59a42ee307b6f27b6e47370a6678149a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185750/original/59a42ee307b6f27b6e47370a6678149a.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Some Smart Doll customers kept asking about painted busts - I originally had no plans to make any but decided to put resources into it and found out that they were more sought after than I thought they would be.</p>
<p>Each bust part has to be primed with matte top coat which then allows the 3 different shades of ground pastel to stick to the surface. We then spray 2 layers of top coat again on top to keep everything in. Not only are the headlights painted but also very slightly around the back, side of the oppai and collar bone too.</p>
<p>Last month we started to sell the painted busts in large size, this month we will start to sell the medium sized ones.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185751"><img alt="05e17bdb7c32e752646ec7141838a5fd" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185751/original/05e17bdb7c32e752646ec7141838a5fd.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>While the main chunk of our current business is Smart Doll - you don't really need to be interested in dolls to work for us - you need to understand what they are, how they are made and what our customer demographic is though.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185752"><img alt="E61b411b231fc77b54fa6fb252608d9e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185752/original/e61b411b231fc77b54fa6fb252608d9e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The first task for our TV Producer is to work on a commercial for Smart Doll.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185760"><img alt="D61fa5dc5246c0508de5c435de0ddb13" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185760/original/d61fa5dc5246c0508de5c435de0ddb13.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Got a new toy for filming - the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00G9WOTPK/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">KONOVA Camera Slider K5 100 cm</a>. Our heavy duty Libec RS-250M video camera tripod lets us use the K5 with only one set of legs without stability issues.<br></p><p>
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This post contains a video, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27270#youtube-CZYHID8CaJI">click here to view</a>.
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<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185753"><img alt="B5179eff9191343712762ba70d52b239" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185753/original/b5179eff9191343712762ba70d52b239.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Zhao together with our talent all-rounder fashion designer working on hijab designs for Smart Doll.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185754"><img alt="A92c06c37bfdd7be948fa04d4548fdcf" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185754/original/a92c06c37bfdd7be948fa04d4548fdcf.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>We recently got some equipment for prototype and production of small quantities of apparel items - the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007APZ6QQ/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">JUKI TL-Y10SP</a> sewing machine and a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00840I6AE/mitsu-101-22/" target="_blank">JUKI MO-114DM</a> overlock machine.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185755"><img alt="34402e482d6fb00ed79d8231cf4b3261" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185755/original/34402e482d6fb00ed79d8231cf4b3261.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The hijab will be made in our office and released this month in two colors - red and dark brown. Both come with a long sleeve turtle neck too.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185759"><img alt="35cb738ea6587a817e8af7cc0318d0b2" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185759/original/35cb738ea6587a817e8af7cc0318d0b2.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Folks who handle dolls wrap cushioning sponge around their Z lights - this is to prevent damage to the dolls during inspection as they previously hit the corner of the light &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185761"><img alt="26965933a2cd053beccc395341a21521" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185761/original/26965933a2cd053beccc395341a21521.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>We have been working hard to ship as many Mirai and Kizuna as possible but still have a large backlog of pre-orders. The backlog will start to clear out as soon as we have sorted out issues that were introduced when we made the Mass Production molds.<br>
If you are still waiting for your Smart Doll then please accept my apologies &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185762"><img alt="E2f59131801462b8568a391d162d478e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185762/original/e2f59131801462b8568a391d162d478e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>No shoes in the office - if you are visiting then please take them off. The only other company that I know that does not allow shoes inside the office is Good Smile Company.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185763"><img alt="Bc05afdd6e03907542da9f0cd3b8c189" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185763/original/bc05afdd6e03907542da9f0cd3b8c189.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Our entrance now decorated with posters of Mirai, Kizuna and Chitose.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.html#image_185764"><img alt="7b3e96d9877d27d7313d5fb5163e776c" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150228/27270/185764/original/7b3e96d9877d27d7313d5fb5163e776c.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And here is an overview of our office.</p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/VhBUELPRDM4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27270/Desk+Diary+20150228.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272692015-02-26T21:20:00+09:002015-03-03T14:45:51+09:00Cool Japan Strategy Committee Back in 2013, the Japanese government appointed me as a member of the "Creative Industries Internation...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185696"><img alt="8438730444193e6e456d17d563faa248" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185696/original/8438730444193e6e456d17d563faa248.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Back in 2013, the Japanese government appointed me as a member of the "<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26903/Creative+Industries+Internationalization+Committee.html">Creative Industries Internationalization Committee</a>" [クリエイティブ産業国際展開懇談会] (CIIC) which was an initiative by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).</p>
<p>Today I'm pleased to let you know that the <a href="http://www.cao.go.jp/" target="_blank">Japanese Cabinet</a> has now <a href="http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/cool_japan/suisinkaigi/dai2/kaisai.html" target="_blank">appointed me as a member</a> of their "Cool Japan Strategy Committee" [クールジャパン戦略推進会議] - a larger scale initiative that involves many more ministries including MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology), MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Japan Tourism Agency, MOF (Ministry of Finance) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185697"><img alt="D8806ffdaf789d182e3cc443b98f1083" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185697/original/d8806ffdaf789d182e3cc443b98f1083.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>This time <a href="http://mirai.fm" target="_blank">Mirai</a> gets to attend with me also dressed up in a suit. Mirai has also been <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27116/Mirai+Suenaga+s+Map+of+Japan.html">working with the Japanese government</a> since 2013.<br>
Yeah I probably should remove the cover on my Xperia Z2 when wearing a suit &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185699"><img alt="07ba1d5539a10e1866810eb8fb9b8aa1" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185699/original/07ba1d5539a10e1866810eb8fb9b8aa1.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Also attending as a guest speaker was <a href="https://twitter.com/masioka" target="_blank">Masi Oka</a> - I think many of us recognise him as Hiro Nakamura from Heroes. He is also an advisor for JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation).<br></p><p>
<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27269#youtube-gQY5hQDfQDI"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/gQY5hQDfQDI/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""></a>
<br>
This post contains a video, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27269#youtube-gQY5hQDfQDI">click here to view</a>.
</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185700"><img alt="67ec4e9725089c91abbb0f09c18842df" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185700/original/67ec4e9725089c91abbb0f09c18842df.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>One of the great things about these committees is that members get to network easily with each other. I also met for the first time robot creator <a href="https://twitter.com/robogarage" target="_blank">Tomotaka Takahashi [高橋 智隆]</a> who already seemed to know about the Automatic Version of <a href="http://smartdoll.jp" target="_blank">Smart Doll</a> - we will be hooking up soon to discuss "stuff" ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185698"><img alt="447fca3657466aaa61baf19988516884" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185698/original/447fca3657466aaa61baf19988516884.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The new committee involves many more ministries and members from the private sector. Selected members are asked to give a talk (my talk will be uploaded to the <a href="http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/cool_japan/index.html" target="_blank">Cabinet website</a> later) and each member should share experience and advice with other members and the government on what Japan should be doing to promote and monetize Japan and its culture especially before the Olympics in 2020.</p>
<p>The Japanese government then implements new measures based on our feedback.</p>
<p>One of my main focuses is as always to change the visa requirements for undergraduates - folks who for various reasons have not been to university but want to work in Japan.<br>
A Japanese working visa usually requires applicants to either have graduated from university or have 10 years of expertise in a particular field.</p>
<p>Japan needs young folks who are passionate to come and help spread the culture. By the time they graduate, many folks forget about what they used to love because they have been so engrossed with their uni studies and when they do graduate - many just end up staying in their country as they need to either pay off loans or have lost their passion for Japan etc. This also means that Japan has less "ambassadors."</p>
<p>Having the university degree requirement does not guarantee Japan that only top class folks will enter the country - I presume thats why the requirement is in place. On the contrary, there are so many gaijin morons who live and work here who run amok and do bad things which makes the rest of us gaijin look bad. </p>
<p>There are also many (not all) disgruntled gaijin who hate living here - they form websites dedicated for gaijin to rant together at how much they hate Japan.</p>
<p>In my eyes - the degree requirement must be removed in order for Japan to be able to rally the help of young folks who love the land of the rising sun.</p>
<p>I will also work to implement platforms that help connect the Japanese government and private sector businesses to folks who seek opportunity to not only work in Japan but to also help spread this rich and unique culture.</p>
<p>I feel very strongly about this as I was once somebody <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26094/How+Discovering+Japan+Changed+My+Life.html">who longed to live and work in Japan</a> and will persistently bring up this visa requirement topic in this and future committees that I am on.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185701"><img alt="1f363245e192162711244f9d5b60ad24" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185701/original/1f363245e192162711244f9d5b60ad24.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The gentleman with arms folded is Minister Yamaguchi who leads the Cool Japan Strategy Committee.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185702"><img alt="F34a349cf94ef41e56d99f664c51caed" height="1081" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185702/original/f34a349cf94ef41e56d99f664c51caed.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>This is what I see during the conference ^^<br>
The president of Sunrise is also a committee member who discussed the <a href="http://gundam-challenge.com/" target="_blank">Gundam Project</a> - a challenge to make the <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/1717/Gundam+Odaiba.html">1/1 scale Gundam</a> walk by the year 2019.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185703"><img alt="E3ac8ac6ebb3479058e1ed87f1a806c0" height="1081" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185703/original/e3ac8ac6ebb3479058e1ed87f1a806c0.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>My left filled with more members from various fields including entertainment, fashion, music, architecture, robotics etc.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185704"><img alt="9a4777e5cc25cecd5dff663ed25f11e0" height="1081" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185704/original/9a4777e5cc25cecd5dff663ed25f11e0.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>...and more on this end too.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185705"><img alt="D35d0e2c68ae77f8ab84deecc8279ebf" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185705/original/d35d0e2c68ae77f8ab84deecc8279ebf.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>If there is something you feel Japan should be doing more of or is not doing enough of then leave a note for me here and I will pick relevant ones up to share with the committee during our monthly meetings.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.html#image_185706"><img alt="94b3b1fe584f52976e24dfc24cafe832" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150226/27269/185706/original/94b3b1fe584f52976e24dfc24cafe832.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>As for our Mirai - the future for her looks bright - Mirai is Future.</p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/6fc-czsK0P4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27269/Cool+Japan+Strategy+Committee.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272672015-02-21T14:25:00+09:002015-03-03T13:31:16+09:00Mirai Photo Walk - Tokyo 20150215 We had a great turnout for our first Mirai Photo Walk which was held in Tokyo on Feb 15th 2015. Despit...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185627"><img alt="40a708d40562f31927ec75aebf6055e6" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185627/original/40a708d40562f31927ec75aebf6055e6.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>We had a great turnout for our first Mirai Photo Walk which was held in Tokyo on Feb 15th 2015. Despite the short 2 day notice, 30 people turned up for the networking event where we walked around to take photos, exchange ideas and contact details too.</p>
<p>Folks from all corners of the world joined us including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, England, Germany, France, US, Brazil, Malaysia and a few other locations which I forgot &gt;&lt;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html">I also mentioned</a> that I was looking to fill the following positions and that folks interested should come along.<br>
#TV Producer<br>
#Graphic Designer<br>
#Smart Doll production staff<br>
#Robotics Engineer<br>
#Contents Manager</p>
<p>During the walk I managed to get time to speak to all who came and by the end of the walk I filled two positions and am in talks with another two members of the walk who I also hope to hire. Its incredible how the Internets could bring so much talent together in one place &gt;&lt;</p>
<p>I will also be setting up a Smart Doll production workshop next week for those who came and are keen on working for us full or part time - if you are interested then make sure you sent me mail.</p>
<p>This first photo is the group shot taken outside the starting point which was the renovated Tokyo Station Marunouchi Chuo Exit.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185628"><img alt="7e75c280c21d6c0b9417d4aa1931dbba" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185628/original/7e75c280c21d6c0b9417d4aa1931dbba.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Station#mediaviewer/File:Bricktokyostation1914.jpg" target="_blank">Built in 1914</a>, Tokyo station was heavily damaged during air bombings in 1945 and while it was rebuilt within a year, it was never restored to its full glory <a href="http://www.kajima.co.jp/tech/tokyo_station/index-j.html" target="_blank">until recently</a>.</p>
<p>Today, one can now experience a distinguishing slice of Tokyo's past and present.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185629"><img alt="A59f9424f32acc72d33ea0dd6997ddeb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185629/original/a59f9424f32acc72d33ea0dd6997ddeb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Pointing up at the <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/1246/Shin+Marunouchi+Building.html">Shin Marunouchi Building</a> across the road where you can get up onto the balcony and get great views of Tokyo station which are especially nice by night.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185630"><img alt="Fa1c2a69991f0994e1b0775be73ace25" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185630/original/fa1c2a69991f0994e1b0775be73ace25.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The tall glass building in the middle of the photo is the renovated Tokyo Central Post Office - the modern part above is office space called JP Tower and the bottom part is called <a href="http://jptower-kitte.jp/" target="_blank">Kitte</a> filled with restaurants and shops</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185631"><img alt="C18e4ce7bd1eb8aaffbb6f1677e95d3d" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185631/original/c18e4ce7bd1eb8aaffbb6f1677e95d3d.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Some folks didn't bring name cards - while they did manage to have chit chat with folks, they didn't get to exchange contact info which makes it difficult to connect - always make sure to carry name cards with you at all times!</p>
<p>I made some <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26714/Business+Card+Template.html">free name card templates</a> a while ago - the designs are a wee bit old so I will be updating them when I get time but should be good for emergency use.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185632"><img alt="154baf2fb11dabab9760fa0bf4db8b63" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185632/original/154baf2fb11dabab9760fa0bf4db8b63.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai with the Frill T-shirt available now for all Smart Doll owners - the grey cardigan and beanie available in April.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185633"><img alt="28a161c50dc31643ac33c8ea955ab78a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185633/original/28a161c50dc31643ac33c8ea955ab78a.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The fully restored dome inside Tokyo Station.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185634"><img alt="19efa12dddf896e90fb0065ed48971d8" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185634/original/19efa12dddf896e90fb0065ed48971d8.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Check out a video of the walk taken by <a href="http://brittkay.format.com/" target="_blank">Brittany</a> below.<br></p><p>
<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27267#youtube-rn0_M1w6rb8"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/rn0_M1w6rb8/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""></a>
<br>
This post contains a video, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27267#youtube-rn0_M1w6rb8">click here to view</a>.
</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185635"><img alt="2882d300090be826557efba0255fd55b" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185635/original/2882d300090be826557efba0255fd55b.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Most of these photos are taken on my <a href="http://www.sony.net/Products/di/en-gb/products/v6cd/" target="_blank">Sony A7II</a> - many of them shot in RAW and color tweaked a wee bit in Adobe Lightroom. RAW photos are inherently dark and not as sharp as JPEGS which is why tweaking is necessary.</p>
<p>I personally tweak so that the photo is bright enough to see what's going on and try to avoid over tweaking which makes the shot look unnatural.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185637"><img alt="6bb96dc2a35ee87ea9d70a3010cb0382" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185637/original/6bb96dc2a35ee87ea9d70a3010cb0382.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>My first time inside Kitte - these photo walks are great for getting me outdoors! In Japan I'm usually either in the office or at home - the only time I get to go out n about has been when I'm outside of Japan on business trips &gt;&lt;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27241/How+I+started+my+company+in+Japan.html">Ever since my company started to pick up</a>, its been difficult to make time to get out as I want to make sure what I've spent years building up to this point continues to do well.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185638"><img alt="753d41886d9563afe7d71d19fc324f05" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185638/original/753d41886d9563afe7d71d19fc324f05.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Occasionally, I would take photos that had over exposed areas which I would try to fix in Lightroom but then realised that I could only tweak a JPEG photo to a certain extent - this is because of the way a JPEG is saved. </p>
<p>Generally, JPEGs are saved in a way which enables you use the photo straight away - sending by email or sharing on a website or SNS. This means that information that is not needed is discarded and the JPEG is flatted.</p>
<p>RAW however contains a whole lot more information which enables you to tweak the photo with much more freedom - think of RAW as being like a layered Photoshop file (which you can edit freely) and think of JPEG as a flatted exported Photoshop file (which is difficult to edit freely). Another thing about RAW is that you can adjust the white balance *after* the photo is taken while JPEG will use the current white balance setting and flatten the photo with it.</p>
<p>You can still change white balance in JPEG with the color picker but it will be difficult to get accurate settings compared to RAW.</p>
<p>As I have just started to shoot RAW, I set my camera to shoot RAW+JPEG at the same time because I'm not so comfortable with just RAW and still need to work it into my workflow which has been JPEG for over 10 years.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185639"><img alt="C5fbad7bd1e86baddf67317a19000f17" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185639/original/c5fbad7bd1e86baddf67317a19000f17.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Even with the big red letters telling drivers that vehicles over 3.8 meters cant pass under the bridge - <a href="http://buff.ly/1EwQreI" target="_blank">accidents still happen</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185640"><img alt="B4bc322e35db90671af9306abfc89448" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185640/original/b4bc322e35db90671af9306abfc89448.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Some of the lads with their imaging weapons of choice.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185641"><img alt="Ae1eebe1c8db69e6c766c2d12c530a5d" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185641/original/ae1eebe1c8db69e6c766c2d12c530a5d.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>After taking snaps around Tokyo Station, we headed towards <a href="http://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Tokyo International Forum</a> - a fancy art and convention center located by Yurakucho station.<br>
There we discovered an antique flea market filled with various knicks n knacks.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185642"><img alt="07f374b5a6782a6d3d34db6e1cd4d3b2" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185642/original/07f374b5a6782a6d3d34db6e1cd4d3b2.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And here is a video of the walk taken by <a href="http://www.lifeyou.tv/" target="_blank">Life You</a>.<br></p><p>
<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27267#youtube-vj4Ir3D40CY"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/vj4Ir3D40CY/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""></a>
<br>
This post contains a video, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27267#youtube-vj4Ir3D40CY">click here to view</a>.
</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185643"><img alt="E3a3f5f20eecfe51ca598fcd371758c7" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185643/original/e3a3f5f20eecfe51ca598fcd371758c7.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>It was a really nice sunny day for a Photo Walk - but very cold &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185644"><img alt="Ac8f10eba475354aaefd42d47aa348a1" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185644/original/ac8f10eba475354aaefd42d47aa348a1.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185645"><img alt="501ec6160b43f44f8e3423e239f22fba" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185645/original/501ec6160b43f44f8e3423e239f22fba.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The red round thing is a Daruma - one eye is painted when a mission is begun and the other eye is painted when the mission is complete.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185646"><img alt="E4dec59113d04d5aca9d16c26ca23fb8" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185646/original/e4dec59113d04d5aca9d16c26ca23fb8.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185647"><img alt="086b21067702de536fc7654b572cc2f4" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185647/original/086b21067702de536fc7654b572cc2f4.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Inside the Tokyo International Forum building.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185648"><img alt="B0c16816819f2f5c3d1a835a59f845f7" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185648/original/b0c16816819f2f5c3d1a835a59f845f7.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185649"><img alt="8824915fd2a1f60139331b47878cc659" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185649/original/8824915fd2a1f60139331b47878cc659.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I cant remember which floor (7 I think) but you can go and walk on the walkways above to take photos. Its free to get in.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185650"><img alt="Bee86b895e88d5f728e61e3299060edd" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185650/original/bee86b895e88d5f728e61e3299060edd.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai was happy to meet many new comrades on the walk.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185651"><img alt="3a0fabdf484f42127922f874c815babc" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185651/original/3a0fabdf484f42127922f874c815babc.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Now we have arrived at Ginza to take a walk down Chuo Dori Street. On a Sundays this main road is pedestrianised and there are chairs dotted around for tired shoppers to relax and take a break.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185652"><img alt="19694e700ff1bf5a6bc337e1b8fd88e7" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185652/original/19694e700ff1bf5a6bc337e1b8fd88e7.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I will continue to arrange these walks in and out of Japan but wont give too much warning as too much notice means larger attendees which is challenging to manage - its difficult to get time to talk with everybody when there are large numbers. Keep an eye <a href="http://twitter.com/dannychoo" target="_blank">on my Twitter</a> to find out when the next walk is.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185653"><img alt="Cfbc591409b8ab801d175984d01d4861" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185653/original/cfbc591409b8ab801d175984d01d4861.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Most folks were using Canon DSLRs - what is your current main camera?</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185655"><img alt="F32b684d6781cd88be40b346f3e1e48a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185655/original/f32b684d6781cd88be40b346f3e1e48a.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Pedestrianised means no bicycles - something which a few folks seem to forget which is why the sign is brought out.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185656"><img alt="20e1fb619a9a55bf4d66c1b5014c97b6" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185656/original/20e1fb619a9a55bf4d66c1b5014c97b6.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>A chap who used to work at Ubisoft joined us. Speaking of Ubisoft, how many of you playing Child of Light? I recently discovered it on my new PS4 ^^<br></p><p>
<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27267#youtube-DNOfWMBTJDk"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/DNOfWMBTJDk/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""></a>
<br>
This post contains a video, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27267#youtube-DNOfWMBTJDk">click here to view</a>.
</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185657"><img alt="B184c700264b4cde6b0d1005965b00af" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185657/original/b184c700264b4cde6b0d1005965b00af.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Ginza - I really like it here! There is something about the place that I like - not sure what it is. Check out <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/25331/Ginza.html">Ginza by night photos</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185658"><img alt="297e49a5bc3ddbc93a58732e520d7494" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185658/original/297e49a5bc3ddbc93a58732e520d7494.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Our new Creative Director from Singapore is a Kizunite. Do you prefer Kizuna or Mirai?</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185659"><img alt="166c7957a051cd6395edb6560472d673" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185659/original/166c7957a051cd6395edb6560472d673.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>My main lens today is the <a href="http://www.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/en_de/camera_lenses/csc/variotessartfe42470za.html" target="_blank">Vario-Tessar T* FE 4/24-70 ZA</a> - an absolutely incredible lens that allows me to not only get wide street snaps but also a nice bokeh while holding Mirai out in front of me.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185660"><img alt="19e2d8723d45a123f15237c86fbe361e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185660/original/19e2d8723d45a123f15237c86fbe361e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185661"><img alt="D38e48067e9b73f28a350eb707e86003" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185661/original/d38e48067e9b73f28a350eb707e86003.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And here is an example of the FE 4/24-70mm used in Smart Doll photography - a really nice bokeh shot that I would previously only use the Sony RX1 to take. But this 24 - 70mm allows me to get those street snaps too which is just great ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185662"><img alt="D84f55f39d87571c61923cc307960dd0" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185662/original/d84f55f39d87571c61923cc307960dd0.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Many buildings in Japan look like this with a thin gap in between them. We have laws here to prevent a land owner to build right up to the edge of his or her land.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185663"><img alt="1df4d203e155db8bfed8659a4f3e1db9" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185663/original/1df4d203e155db8bfed8659a4f3e1db9.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185664"><img alt="A21f81be3fd4405b7b7f0a8f514fa8cf" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185664/original/a21f81be3fd4405b7b7f0a8f514fa8cf.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The Shizuoka Shinbun Newspaper building is designed by Japanese architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenz%C5%8D_Tange" target="_blank">Kenzo Tange</a> who also designed the <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/slide/175827">Tokyo Metropolitan Building</a> in Shinjuku and the <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/slide/152335">Fuji TV building in Odaiba</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185665"><img alt="47de4695013a24de827e008257389e68" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185665/original/47de4695013a24de827e008257389e68.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The lady in pink hair is <a href="http://kaiami.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Kaia</a> - an extremely talented artist from the US.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185666"><img alt="C12842a21a25b91143de4aa6ea1d1c16" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185666/original/c12842a21a25b91143de4aa6ea1d1c16.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>On our photowalks, folks can join and leave anytime. This group snap taken at the end of our walk at Shinagawa Station with those who stayed on.</p>
<p>I give my name card out to all who join and for those who contact me back, they get automatically added to the Mirai Photo Walk mailing list.</p>
<p>I will announce soon when I plan another photo walk in another part of Tokyo.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185667"><img alt="271f95d57cfdba9b480b3fd186a4662f" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185667/original/271f95d57cfdba9b480b3fd186a4662f.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Came across this cutie on the way home.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185668"><img alt="8243446bb721f0e946f2a908b9a2b9f2" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185668/original/8243446bb721f0e946f2a908b9a2b9f2.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>In my neck of the woods around Nishikoyama Station.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185669"><img alt="C82e7afd9e14a314fa66d66760b11b89" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185669/original/c82e7afd9e14a314fa66d66760b11b89.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Ramen for dindins.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185670"><img alt="96136c306a9431758f89b4e0fa9c09ab" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185670/original/96136c306a9431758f89b4e0fa9c09ab.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.html#image_185671"><img alt="74efdf4001c2f93f84f1a31f6b54575e" height="1079" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150217/27267/185671/original/74efdf4001c2f93f84f1a31f6b54575e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And here is my camera armory which I should really review soon &gt;&lt;</p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/H2aGhcC6fTQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27267/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo+20150215.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272682015-02-18T17:42:00+09:002015-02-26T23:21:47+09:00Happy Chinese New Year 2015! Its that time of year again - when everything grinds down to a halt for Chinese and Korean folks aroun...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185672"><img alt="F0b0ba2ba8bf0cc182cd31e7a6c775c0" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185672/original/f0b0ba2ba8bf0cc182cd31e7a6c775c0.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Its that time of year again - when everything grinds down to a halt for Chinese and Korean folks around the world to celebrate the lunar new year. </p>
<p>Even though I come from a Chinese background, being brought up in the UK, I had now idea how important the lunar new year was until a few years ago when I spent CNY (Chinese New Year) in Malaysia - CNY is a *big* deal!<br>
So Happy Chinese New Year! 新年好！恭喜發財！새해 복 많이 받으세요！</p>
<p>Mirai and Kizuna <a href="http://smartdoll.jp" target="_blank">Smart Doll</a> are celebrating in the office while we ship the last of the current orders.</p>
<p>What are you doing to celebrate? How much did you get for Ang Bao (red envelope filled with cash) ?</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185673"><img alt="838ede84261019292730d649a9c7533c" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185673/original/838ede84261019292730d649a9c7533c.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185674"><img alt="E25d9377081fb626a20279e2d6a032ca" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185674/original/e25d9377081fb626a20279e2d6a032ca.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185675"><img alt="071c1ee22df5d6c24880befa13b3bcd9" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185675/original/071c1ee22df5d6c24880befa13b3bcd9.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185676"><img alt="7fa70a2965263a1acf1f9520307388a0" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185676/original/7fa70a2965263a1acf1f9520307388a0.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185677"><img alt="344cdf18f0c716eae09d50da5b03897e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185677/original/344cdf18f0c716eae09d50da5b03897e.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185678"><img alt="7ce4dcd5706948efbf23aa3242ce3e55" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185678/original/7ce4dcd5706948efbf23aa3242ce3e55.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185679"><img alt="64a75cb5b52679da5501729380c51c6f" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185679/original/64a75cb5b52679da5501729380c51c6f.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185680"><img alt="160ab81d064d3cc7f8da24957e415063" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185680/original/160ab81d064d3cc7f8da24957e415063.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185681"><img alt="Fdfbb2f1771c51488699ce0581cbb643" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185681/original/fdfbb2f1771c51488699ce0581cbb643.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185682"><img alt="427a088a5840f87a85508fb01deca256" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185682/original/427a088a5840f87a85508fb01deca256.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185683"><img alt="Fda27dcadb4ef7e3e9306e27a260c199" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185683/original/fda27dcadb4ef7e3e9306e27a260c199.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185684"><img alt="E5380f9b6e69c940787e45ad1bb8cc48" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185684/original/e5380f9b6e69c940787e45ad1bb8cc48.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185685"><img alt="604be3f57a212a3148690977c750c404" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185685/original/604be3f57a212a3148690977c750c404.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185686"><img alt="F6553dfd044e6cb9a5acabfea888907c" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185686/original/f6553dfd044e6cb9a5acabfea888907c.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185687"><img alt="9b90b583c727e8e0a26e9e2581a78617" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185687/original/9b90b583c727e8e0a26e9e2581a78617.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185689"><img alt="B68d1edb1d345b0335d6eb3b1a78c778" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185689/original/b68d1edb1d345b0335d6eb3b1a78c778.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185694"><img alt="8f837d03eadc6520beac10b8ab71ece5" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185694/original/8f837d03eadc6520beac10b8ab71ece5.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185693"><img alt="013065745cba856404a285bfb4f5b4ec" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185693/original/013065745cba856404a285bfb4f5b4ec.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185688"><img alt="Bf1779e3af8b08a4bb2dfe1a2a4a69e6" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185688/original/bf1779e3af8b08a4bb2dfe1a2a4a69e6.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185695"><img alt="5dbb5a4cadabaa5fbeb5ce8f531395bc" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185695/original/5dbb5a4cadabaa5fbeb5ce8f531395bc.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185691"><img alt="91762effe935135a15857f40d76dca17" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185691/original/91762effe935135a15857f40d76dca17.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185692"><img alt="5929ac1b32d132fa097ba1c3c285c82f" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185692/original/5929ac1b32d132fa097ba1c3c285c82f.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.html#image_185690"><img alt="1b56badf3fb22c104afd63b547c04a7f" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150218/27268/185690/original/1b56badf3fb22c104afd63b547c04a7f.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/fZ6B7oTvomo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27268/Happy+Chinese+New+Year+2015.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272662015-02-12T23:12:00+09:002015-02-20T21:48:58+09:00Mirai Photo Walk - Tokyo Mirai Photo Walk - a networking gathering where I take you on a walk around areas which I feel are pho...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html#image_185620"><img alt="74efdf4001c2f93f84f1a31f6b54575e" height="1079" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150212/27266/185620/original/74efdf4001c2f93f84f1a31f6b54575e.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai Photo Walk - a networking gathering where I take you on a walk around areas which I feel are photogenic - we take photos, learn new camera techniques and network with each other. <br>
Some of us have been taking photos for a while and usually (when asked) share our knowledge on the subject ranging from camera settings, lenses, post processing software, workflow and so on.</p>
<p>For the first Mirai Photo Walk, I'm going to choose the path which will start at Tokyo Station this Sunday Feb 15th - lets meet outside the <a href="http://buff.ly/1F1Bogk" target="_blank">Marunouchi Chuo Exit (丸の内中央口) at Tokyo Station here</a> (<a href="http://buff.ly/1KNliY6" target="_blank">this is what it looks like</a>)<br>
From here we will head to Tokyo International Forum (東京国際フォーラム) and then head onto Ginza. I have not planned the exact route yet and I want to explore as we walk.</p>
<p>Have your lunch before you come and lets meet at 1PM. I will wait until 1:10PM and then head off. Folks interested in photography or meeting new folks should attend. We should finish by 6PM or so but you can break off anytime you want.</p>
<p>I look forward to meeting everybody but am particularly interested in meeting folks who are looking for new job opportunities in Tokyo - I'm looking for folks <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27241/How+I+started+my+company+in+Japan.html">to join my company</a> and I have many positions part and full time open for immediate hire which include:-<br>
#TV Producer<br>
#Graphic Designer<br>
#Smart Doll production staff<br>
#Robotics Engineer<br>
#Contents Manager</p>
<p>It costs nothing to attend - only your time. You should however ideally always be carrying namecards if you are into networking. No rules on camera equipment - bring what you are comfy with regardless of whether its a high end DSLR or a mobile phone camera.<br>
This photo is of my current photo armory - my main camera is the A7 II, Smart Doll camera is the RX1 and my pocket camera is the RX100M3. Sony fanboy &gt;&lt;</p>
<p>No need to register - if you are planning on attending just turn up and bring as many people as you want - look forward to seeing you this weekend!</p>
<p>So just to recap:-<br>
Mirai Photo Walk - Tokyo<br>
Meet at: Marunouchi Chuo Exit (丸の内中央口) at Tokyo Station.<br>
Time: Sunday Feb 15th at 1PM<br>
Map &gt; <a href="http://buff.ly/1F1Bogk" target="_blank">http://buff.ly/1F1Bogk</a><br>
Photo &gt; <a href="http://buff.ly/1KNliY6" target="_blank">http://buff.ly/1KNliY6</a><br>
Participation is Free. Please keep an eye on <a href="https://twitter.com/dannychoo" target="_blank">twitter.com/dannychoo</a> for any changes.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html#image_185622"><img alt="5cb23e9a10ed5d4747a21c5bdd17b3aa" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150212/27266/185622/original/5cb23e9a10ed5d4747a21c5bdd17b3aa.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Mirai Photo Walk involves much less logistics and planning than a CJ Night so will probably do more Photo Walks as an opportunity for me to meet you and for you to meet others too.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html#image_185624"><img alt="87a1552035a7b37b35a44d8a36f3a57f" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150212/27266/185624/original/87a1552035a7b37b35a44d8a36f3a57f.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Our first Mirai Photo Walk will be in Tokyo...</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html#image_185625"><img alt="56b9b74298684ee3a77615c8530527cf" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150212/27266/185625/original/56b9b74298684ee3a77615c8530527cf.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>...but we plan to do Mirai Photo Walks in various cities around the work. Am planning one in Taipei again soon where this photo was taken.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html#image_185626"><img alt="6db180621fde66af26508428860a7e52" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150212/27266/185626/original/6db180621fde66af26508428860a7e52.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And want to do a Mirai Photo Walk in Kuala Lumpur the next time I'm there.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.html#image_185621"><img alt="Cf7ef3208f7f0de4be0bb34ec87211f2" height="1079" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150212/27266/185621/original/cf7ef3208f7f0de4be0bb34ec87211f2.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I will be carrying Mirai with me hence "Mirai Photo Walk" - hope to see you on one of these walks either in Japan or in your neck of the woods!</p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/4LWhGCvuVzg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27266/Mirai+Photo+Walk+Tokyo.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272652015-02-11T21:18:00+09:002015-03-02T21:01:50+09:00Taiwan Sailor Moon Was in Taipei recently and had the pleasure of coming across the Taiwanese version of Sailor Moon. It ...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27265/Taiwan+Sailor+Moon.html#image_185617"><img alt="8bfd2306481ad172a8ea2e46683fec00" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150211/27265/185617/original/8bfd2306481ad172a8ea2e46683fec00.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Was in Taipei recently and had the pleasure of coming across the Taiwanese version of Sailor Moon. It looks like she was made into some sort of ride and placed in the window of what seemed like the doctors - presumably to keep the little kids happy.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27265/Taiwan+Sailor+Moon.html#image_185618"><img alt="Ccf0f3831467e66edf575cdbed67c5c9" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150211/27265/185618/original/ccf0f3831467e66edf575cdbed67c5c9.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>A closer look at Sailor Moon - cutie.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27265/Taiwan+Sailor+Moon.html#image_185619"><img alt="3e44459cc9135fc018dd079dbdaa1c90" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150211/27265/185619/original/3e44459cc9135fc018dd079dbdaa1c90.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Speaking of cuties - I still owe you photos of <a href="http://smartdoll.jp" target="_blank">Mirai Smart Doll</a> out n about Taipei &gt;&lt;</p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/7UQzI3_28LY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27265/Taiwan+Sailor+Moon.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272642015-02-03T22:29:00+09:002015-03-03T07:32:00+09:00Kadokawa Contents Academy Kadokawa Contents Academy - an academy established by KADOKAWA (Haruhi, Lucky Star, Sword Art Online, ...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185562"><img alt="299c9338dccbd192d8f62efbe3b2b0bb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185562/original/299c9338dccbd192d8f62efbe3b2b0bb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://kadokawa-ca.co.jp/" target="_blank">Kadokawa Contents Academy</a> - an academy established by <a href="http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/" target="_blank">KADOKAWA</a> (Haruhi, Lucky Star, Sword Art Online, Kancolle etc) with a mission to teach various skills to folks who are interested in working in the creative content field such as anime, manga and games.</p>
<p>I recently attended their Taipei school to give a lecture for 2 days - it was my first time giving a talk in Mandarin &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185563"><img alt="23942957a1e5670df92ccfd6e5a7ab06" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185563/original/23942957a1e5670df92ccfd6e5a7ab06.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.kadokawa-ie.com.tw/" target="_blank">Kadokawa Contents Academy Taipei</a> is located in a central location just around the corner to Taipei Station.<br>
The address is:-<br>
No. 43, Guanqian Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City<br>
台北市館前路43號7樓<br><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=25.0453997,121.5151274&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;z=17&amp;source=embed" target="_blank">View location with Google Maps</a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185564"><img alt="E5d5e1a5cf264823e10cea72c73b856b" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185564/original/e5d5e1a5cf264823e10cea72c73b856b.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>At the moment Kadokawa Contents Academy (KCA) teaches 3 courses - Manga, Character Design and Card Game Illustration. While anybody of any skill level can take any of the courses, the course curriculum is geared to prepping folks to work in the field on a professional level.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185569"><img alt="517ce731c43b12e84a5e2fef0696229b" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185569/original/517ce731c43b12e84a5e2fef0696229b.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>KCA is attended by folks of many backgrounds - students, salarymen/women - classes can be attended after school or work.</p>
<p>While graduates won't receive a certificate recognized by the country, something even better is acquired upon completion of the course - not only a certificate to show that one has graduated but also KADOKAWA's contacts.</p>
<p>Superstars are almost guaranteed a job in the creative field given their ninja skills - as long as they have the personality to match though ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185571"><img alt="5cea7d2e8452f3b93191a6ed5511bb5e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185571/original/5cea7d2e8452f3b93191a6ed5511bb5e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>KCA have started to use our <a href="http://mirai.fm" target="_blank">Mirai Suenaga</a> as learning material for some of their courses - the artwork you see on the screen here is originally by <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26177/DMYO.html">Shirahane Nao-sensei</a> who provided the outlines of Mirai for this coloring class.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185565"><img alt="B108d2c09695b7129365fb45a8675ad2" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185565/original/b108d2c09695b7129365fb45a8675ad2.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I was brought up in the UK speaking English and Cantonese - I only started to learn Chinese after I met my wife who is from Shanghai. My listening is way better than my speaking so I had the help of Aoi-chan who is one of the staff members at the school - a Taiwanese local with incredible translation skills.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185589"><img alt="C07520dfade3c73dfd63103c161f77be" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185589/original/c07520dfade3c73dfd63103c161f77be.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I would like to thank all those who came along to my talk for the two days - it was great meeting you all!</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185566"><img alt="29f21ba0aa13f7354a85568def751bd5" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185566/original/29f21ba0aa13f7354a85568def751bd5.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>We were also filming part of an episode of Culture Japan Season 3 - Japanese Pop Culture in Taiwan.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185567"><img alt="583e5dd5562e4bc7917a24bcd07acec6" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185567/original/583e5dd5562e4bc7917a24bcd07acec6.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The Taipei school is their first and their second is in <a href="http://kadokawa-ca.co.jp/academy/" target="_blank">Singapore</a> - Where do you want the next branch of KCA to be?<br></p><p>This post contains a poll, <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/posts/27264#poll-2771">click here to view</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185568"><img alt="8be3703b97d6df37384e0eb07d93b93a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185568/original/8be3703b97d6df37384e0eb07d93b93a.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>How many of you draw for a hobby or on a professional level? I'm constantly stalking my readers profiles on their twitter/facebook/instagram to look for links to their Pixiv or Deviantart profiles looking for talent.</p>
<p>If you got something to show off the leave a link in the comments ^^</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185570"><img alt="99422ab97b6f962ae65e8f2025911a93" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185570/original/99422ab97b6f962ae65e8f2025911a93.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I'm going to leave you with photos taken over the 2 days while I get back to catching up on writing posts &gt;&lt;</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185572"><img alt="7e04e28910bf34b23e0d68bd116e8fbe" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185572/original/7e04e28910bf34b23e0d68bd116e8fbe.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185573"><img alt="E2619a68cf5f10f7eae82952e82b9155" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185573/original/e2619a68cf5f10f7eae82952e82b9155.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185574"><img alt="C5f2e88f2b95a6e0bcd7d61f9fd65de7" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185574/original/c5f2e88f2b95a6e0bcd7d61f9fd65de7.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185575"><img alt="Bb8ed3afba651e5df4c51977e37d7cbe" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185575/original/bb8ed3afba651e5df4c51977e37d7cbe.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185576"><img alt="334570b6f6afe3fbed15fe18de9ef1c4" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185576/original/334570b6f6afe3fbed15fe18de9ef1c4.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185577"><img alt="1ef1ed24077a7760fc57824c36f7e170" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185577/original/1ef1ed24077a7760fc57824c36f7e170.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185578"><img alt="2658204dcaa677885d09f0c498e53516" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185578/original/2658204dcaa677885d09f0c498e53516.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185579"><img alt="A882fed2cc098055e5375a2c4e4018a0" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185579/original/a882fed2cc098055e5375a2c4e4018a0.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185580"><img alt="C9df1de46f091dd16279c53451bd3dbb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185580/original/c9df1de46f091dd16279c53451bd3dbb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185581"><img alt="Dc33e5a25dbb2156e816c0eefcb917fa" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185581/original/dc33e5a25dbb2156e816c0eefcb917fa.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185582"><img alt="E1f23e112e03ff05b37aac1769ee5881" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185582/original/e1f23e112e03ff05b37aac1769ee5881.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185583"><img alt="7b3a2ba8a5f75b583df865916c0c8bc7" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185583/original/7b3a2ba8a5f75b583df865916c0c8bc7.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185584"><img alt="429bc1b8bbbbb2e75a2731f3b19e8410" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185584/original/429bc1b8bbbbb2e75a2731f3b19e8410.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185585"><img alt="C9f629e3c561a95ec9ae1fc654b4f153" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185585/original/c9f629e3c561a95ec9ae1fc654b4f153.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185586"><img alt="7a5d1af707b1f437cbf128041844bc74" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185586/original/7a5d1af707b1f437cbf128041844bc74.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185587"><img alt="9fab1818c9b93fe6dd889f965b8aca1e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185587/original/9fab1818c9b93fe6dd889f965b8aca1e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185588"><img alt="Ef8d33ae2357af5f43055eb690c5f0eb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185588/original/ef8d33ae2357af5f43055eb690c5f0eb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185590"><img alt="Effc6dafc0d51e66e70f8740f480d3cf" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185590/original/effc6dafc0d51e66e70f8740f480d3cf.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185591"><img alt="01e005e7544f6423385de7b6576a1f54" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185591/original/01e005e7544f6423385de7b6576a1f54.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185592"><img alt="67dbdadbb5c8b67fa0932aebdfef4f66" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185592/original/67dbdadbb5c8b67fa0932aebdfef4f66.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185593"><img alt="A1f2cec01268fb731111687d11578fff" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185593/original/a1f2cec01268fb731111687d11578fff.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185594"><img alt="12adc37f434b8c3369d9751ef59c2248" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185594/original/12adc37f434b8c3369d9751ef59c2248.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185595"><img alt="De82960494f9e2f151c6f1c08359e1bf" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185595/original/de82960494f9e2f151c6f1c08359e1bf.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185596"><img alt="2f7ffae4b2400b9381bb4c233376d4d8" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185596/original/2f7ffae4b2400b9381bb4c233376d4d8.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185597"><img alt="F1f8648b36f43e8c8121284d347494fd" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185597/original/f1f8648b36f43e8c8121284d347494fd.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185598"><img alt="235063539f9f8fceeda21dfa56c1b5bb" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185598/original/235063539f9f8fceeda21dfa56c1b5bb.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185599"><img alt="D036e5e9c7e5075941051da9ce3fb99b" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185599/original/d036e5e9c7e5075941051da9ce3fb99b.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185600"><img alt="240a6aca5dffaceae74fd4aeb598d001" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185600/original/240a6aca5dffaceae74fd4aeb598d001.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185601"><img alt="D77eb0a9a599cf11e38b70f9b1e8fb3e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185601/original/d77eb0a9a599cf11e38b70f9b1e8fb3e.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185602"><img alt="A28a54222aaa75259cd39d4d87219c40" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185602/original/a28a54222aaa75259cd39d4d87219c40.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185603"><img alt="94412dc40446f946489055ff9bc8b361" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185603/original/94412dc40446f946489055ff9bc8b361.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185604"><img alt="3ed1e3ba3e60346b13c187ed8ddd72d9" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185604/original/3ed1e3ba3e60346b13c187ed8ddd72d9.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185605"><img alt="2ab4da018cc4010a2be12c69c424697a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185605/original/2ab4da018cc4010a2be12c69c424697a.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185606"><img alt="642ecfed3a3693b249b174d2047db442" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185606/original/642ecfed3a3693b249b174d2047db442.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185607"><img alt="6dd547b32d6cfcd19c79f3ce08d09fc3" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185607/original/6dd547b32d6cfcd19c79f3ce08d09fc3.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185608"><img alt="65053b0e1e3f5bc6d89c0a60a09f1d78" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185608/original/65053b0e1e3f5bc6d89c0a60a09f1d78.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185609"><img alt="A68451bc7f91862bfe0fea712699a459" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185609/original/a68451bc7f91862bfe0fea712699a459.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185610"><img alt="1ba50e342a1173d3b2fd1de6538bbe32" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185610/original/1ba50e342a1173d3b2fd1de6538bbe32.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185611"><img alt="6564a4188efc50dd024fe4cc53d08c7c" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185611/original/6564a4188efc50dd024fe4cc53d08c7c.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185612"><img alt="726b97360b8a64bb91662a26d8445f15" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185612/original/726b97360b8a64bb91662a26d8445f15.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185613"><img alt="F55011d91c2a36c28b8bad8c379b05f0" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185613/original/f55011d91c2a36c28b8bad8c379b05f0.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185616"><img alt="F9ed7265613ce920406afaba1b545a31" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185616/original/f9ed7265613ce920406afaba1b545a31.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185614"><img alt="6657759a28cb3fc7a584d8c1914f5be8" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185614/original/6657759a28cb3fc7a584d8c1914f5be8.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.html#image_185615"><img alt="56e5e4f6fb91d5488aec4d44e437516b" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150203/27264/185615/original/56e5e4f6fb91d5488aec4d44e437516b.JPG" width="1920" /></a></p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/3TkG19FSjOg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27264/Kadokawa+Contents+Academy.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272632015-01-29T08:52:00+09:002015-03-03T17:32:28+09:00Taiwan Update I've been in Taiwan for about a week now and we have already done two events - the Kadokawa Contents A...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185532"><img alt="217f878979aae8acf85b29b698aa9e1e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185532/original/217f878979aae8acf85b29b698aa9e1e.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>I've been in Taiwan for about a week now and we have already done two events - the Kadokawa Contents Academy talk and CJ Night Taipei.</p>
<p>It's been 3 years since my last visit to Taiwan and things have changed a lot - I didn't know just how popular Mirai was until my day 1 talk at Kadokawa Contents Academy followed by CJ Night.</p>
<p>Despite being on a weekday, many comrades still managed to attend CJ Night Taipei and we also sold out of everything (Smart Doll, Moekana, Moekanji, T-shirts) on the night &gt;&lt;</p>
<p>Right now I'm running to and forth various meetings with my team and when we get a breather we stop by places like Ximending to take a few snaps and meet many many locals who love Mirai and Kizuna - there is absolutely no doubt that Smart Doll is Social Media ART (SMART).</p>
<p>Tomorrow we setup booth at our first <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27261/Taipei+Event+Details.html">Fancy Frontier</a> where we will be bringing more Smart Doll, T-shirts, Posters, Moekana and Moekanji for sale.</p>
<p>I'm going to head off now and will do more in depth posts on Kadokawa Contents Academy, CJ Night and our photo walks around Taipei when I get back to Japan.</p>
<p>If you are coming to FF25 then see you there (<a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27261/Taipei+Event+Details.html">details here</a>) ! I will be at the booth for the 2 days - if I'm not then it means I'm walking around the halls checking out the doujin goodies and cosplay.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185533"><img alt="0a558ef2218fe142076fa088da5c25b2" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185533/original/0a558ef2218fe142076fa088da5c25b2.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185534"><img alt="1ba50e342a1173d3b2fd1de6538bbe32" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185534/original/1ba50e342a1173d3b2fd1de6538bbe32.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185535"><img alt="7604f5edd80f14138dbb5f5c0e7f2f5d" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185535/original/7604f5edd80f14138dbb5f5c0e7f2f5d.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a 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src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185539/original/cc0ea96316e971c5d54618de63643df1.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185540"><img alt="55481daac0dd18a1caeb4edce458b964" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185540/original/55481daac0dd18a1caeb4edce458b964.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185541"><img alt="93ec0a921a382e4b627c81d3bfc8aa64" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185541/original/93ec0a921a382e4b627c81d3bfc8aa64.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185542"><img alt="Beec46e5f80a131d56ae1018716850f8" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185542/original/beec46e5f80a131d56ae1018716850f8.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a 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href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185557"><img alt="E82636eec55b2ef402a0de7852db542b" height="1081" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185557/original/e82636eec55b2ef402a0de7852db542b.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185558"><img alt="C07520dfade3c73dfd63103c161f77be" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185558/original/c07520dfade3c73dfd63103c161f77be.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185559"><img alt="4cd9d98a5e9ef0d18098deb02cbe3c23" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185559/original/4cd9d98a5e9ef0d18098deb02cbe3c23.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185560"><img alt="60b46593f913a1a8f7e38f9e3844007a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185560/original/60b46593f913a1a8f7e38f9e3844007a.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.html#image_185561"><img alt="5ab905fcba005fa4a24171a8bfe62512" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150129/27263/185561/original/5ab905fcba005fa4a24171a8bfe62512.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/oYYdRk7NXoo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27263/Taiwan+Update.htmltag:www.dannychoo.com,2005:Post/272622015-01-22T17:14:00+09:002015-02-03T14:09:04+09:00Mirai x Kinokuniya Singapore Thanks to all those who went to a branch of Kinokuniya in Singapore to either get a new or exchange th...<p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185521"><img alt="9892a29a90c737c344b357e71804932e" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185521/original/9892a29a90c737c344b357e71804932e.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Thanks to all those who went to a branch of <a href="https://www.kinokuniya.com.sg/" target="_blank">Kinokuniya in Singapore</a> to either get a new or exchange their Privilege Card (KPC) <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27189/Mirai+Suenaga+x+Books+Kinokuniya.html">for the Mirai one</a> ^o^<br>
All stock depleted in a jiffy and while they wont be making anymore of the old design, Kinokuniya Singapore have released a new design for their new customers.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185516"><img alt="E39e18fe598187e52c3c0c661cd9bb8c" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185516/original/e39e18fe598187e52c3c0c661cd9bb8c.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The Singapore Kinokuniya Card is only valid in Singapore. Malaysia <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26980/Mirai+Kinokuniya+Privilege+Card.html">have their own Mirai KPC</a> and I'm working on getting other Kinokuniya stores around the world to converted to the Mirai designs.</p>
<p>Not all Kinokuniya have privilege cards though and depends on the local laws about discounting - the KPC entitles you to 10% off any purchase at the Singapore store but you get 20% off Mirai-chan related products.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185520"><img alt="5fa6e3f6d4d278492100fdf4a40cddd6" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185520/original/5fa6e3f6d4d278492100fdf4a40cddd6.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Folks who fancy the new design can keep their current card and get the new one for 12 SDG that comes with all of these Mirai goodies which include a clear file, can badge and a Kinokuniya Moekana card.</p>
<p>Folks who want a new card pay 30 SGD - you get all the goodies and 10% off any of your purchases from then on for the following year.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185517"><img alt="63829874a1ceee7f7087bb5b1cde31bc" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185517/original/63829874a1ceee7f7087bb5b1cde31bc.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Kinokuniya have made this really cool Mirai tote bag thats costs 25 SGD - but if you got the privilege card then you get 20% off so you get the bag for 20 SGD.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185518"><img alt="65a63a179cc88577e00780ae36727f04" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185518/original/65a63a179cc88577e00780ae36727f04.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The tote bag comes with an inner pocket so that you can carry around items like <a href="http://moekana.com" target="_blank">Moekana</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185519"><img alt="9521f06b6c1cb2db3ef5f3f98155eeb1" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185519/original/9521f06b6c1cb2db3ef5f3f98155eeb1.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>The tote bag would also fit any eroge mags that you have lying around at home too.<br>
These Dengeki Hime just happen to feature the art of <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26834/Koizumi+Amane.html">Koizumi Amane-sensei</a> and <a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26586/Iizuki+Tasuku.html">Iizuki Tasuku-sensei</a> who have both doodled Mirai for us.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185523"><img alt="00175b2ca7284467c1f2342544c6b04a" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185523/original/00175b2ca7284467c1f2342544c6b04a.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Some of the Kinokuniya goodies from Singapore and Malaysia. If you want Mirai goodies in your Kinokuniya store then just let me know!</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185525"><img alt="4b461800b7e5f693bc40f41e0cb5e3b8" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185525/original/4b461800b7e5f693bc40f41e0cb5e3b8.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And here are some folks who already have their new KPC.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185527"><img alt="Cd2d13581dab6ea251353481f00d40a8" height="1080" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185527/original/cd2d13581dab6ea251353481f00d40a8.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>Most Kinokuniya have stock of our Japanese learning products - this one being <a href="http://moekana.com" target="_blank">Moekana</a> - a pack of 56 flash cards that teach hiragana and katakana.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185526"><img alt="67fcdfd8f7e9e2350dad15977bda0f4e" height="1079" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185526/original/67fcdfd8f7e9e2350dad15977bda0f4e.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>And this is <a href="http://moekanji.com" target="_blank">Moekanji</a> - a set of 87 illustrated cards to help you learn First Grade Kanji which include the “On” and “Kun” readings written in hiragana.</p><p><a href="http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html#image_185524"><img alt="Ebc9b8959b1e1dcd7f6aa4d84db6d9f5" height="1079" src="http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20150122/27262/185524/original/ebc9b8959b1e1dcd7f6aa4d84db6d9f5.jpg" width="1920" /></a></p><p>When visiting Kinokuniya - have a closer look as you may see <a href="http://mirai.fm" target="_blank">Mirai-chan</a> helping out with the stock keeping ^^</p><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/dannychoo_com_main_article_feed_eng/~4/Z79YVaiI3iY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>dannyhttp://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/27262/Mirai+x+Kinokuniya+Singapore.html